Television
How much is Don Lemon owed following sudden CNN exit?
Don Lemon was abruptly let go by CNN on Monday, and it appears his exit will come at a financial cost for the network.
The fallout from Don Lemon’s sudden firing from CNN on Monday continues with news that the 57-year-old is set to receive a hefty financial figure given his contract runs until 2026.
How much is Don Lemon is owed following sudden CNN exit?
Lemon announced the news of his firing himself, tweeting that the network opted to tell his agent rather than telling him directly.
Those claims were denied by CNN, who released a statement stating: “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.”
Lemon’s exit will reportedly cost CNN a hefty financial figure, with Page Six reporting he’s set to get at least $25 million.
The outlet adds that the former ‘CNN This Morning’ co-host signed a new contract with the network back in September that is slated to pay him a high $7 million-a-year deal that runs until 2026.
In the meantime, the outlet adds that Lemon has hired Los Angeles entertainment attorney Bryan Freedman to help with his exit and see whether he is entitled to a further settlement.
How CNN addressed Lemon’s exit
On Tuesday, Kaitlan Collins and Poppy Harlow addressed Lemon’s sudden exit during ‘CNN This Morning’.
“Don was a big part of this show over the last six months,” said Collins. “He was one of the first anchors on CNN to have me on his show — that’s something I’ll obviously never forget.”
She ended by wishing Lemon the best, while co-signing part of CNN CEO Chris Licht’s statement.
Harlow added to Collins’ words, noting that Lemon was one of her first friends when she arrived at the network.
“I’m so thankful to have worked alongside him and for his support for nearly 15 years here, and I wish him all good things ahead,” said Harlow.
She finished her statement by saying that her and Collins remain proud of the show, and that they will continue to make the viewers the priority.
Their statements come after it was reported there was tension between the three journalists.
In February, reports emerged alleging that Lemon had screamed at Collins during an off-camera dispute back in December 2022.
A few months later, Harlow and Lemon got into a debate after the latter stated Nikki Haley wasn’t in her prime because she is 51 years old.
Lemon later issued an apology following the segment.